(AP Photo)Boston Bruins' defenseman Andrew Ference, right, thinks the Claude Julien allegations are "BS" as his team is in a must-win situation tonight against the Thrashers.

Bruins (17-11-4)

vs. Atlanta (19-12-5)

Bruins last 10: 5-3-2Atlanta's last 10: 6-2-2

Game time: 7 p.m.

This is the second of four meetings between the two clubs this season. The last time Boston faced the Thrashers was back on Nov. 28 in a 4-1 loss at Philips Arena behind netminder Tuukka Rask who then dropped to 1-6-1.

Four different Thrashers scored as Atlanta jumped out to a quick 3-0 advantage at the end of the opening period. Evander Kane, Dustin Byfuglien, Jim Slater, and Niclas Bergfors all netted goals while Byfuglien also tallied three assists for four points.

Blake Wheeler had Boston's only goal with assists from wingers Michael Ryder and Milan Lucic. Boston outshot its opponent 41-26 and wasn't able to capitalize against goalie Ondrej Pavelec who finished with 40 saves.

Bruins' No. 1 goaltender Tim Thomas will get his shot tonight between the pipes for his team, which is amidst a major slump now before the Christmas break.

B's notes: Tonight is very crucial for the Boston Bruins who desperately need a win before the Holiday break. Boston had dropped four of its last five games, including road losses to Buffalo (3-2) and Montreal (4-3) and dropping home contests to Philadelphia (2-1 OT) and Anaheim (3-0). The Bruins were able to eek out a win against the Washington Capitals (3-2) on home ice who entered with a seven-game losing streak at the time.

The shutout to the Ducks was the team's third of the season as the Carolina Hurricanes (Nov. 26) and Ottawa Senators (Nov. 13) had the others.

Team president Cam Neely and general manager Peter Chiarelli were guests Wednesday on 98.5 The Sports Hub on the "(Michael) Felger and (Tony) Massarotti" show and were a bit vague when asked if Julien's job was safe.

"When things go a little downhill in any big market, I think people look for an excuse and will jump on any little thing and snowball it," Bruins' forward Shawn Thornton said.

Defenseman Andrew Ference was not pleased at all with the allegations.

"It's BS, that's what I think," Ference said. "That's why I don't read that (expletive). We're not talking about it. The only opinion I care about is in this room, whether it's about my game, a coach or a teammate. I don't give a (expletive) what anybody else says."

Of course whenever a team starts to decline after having a strong start to the season there's going to be talk about the leadership of the coach.

In November the Bruins scraped together a 6-6-2 record, including two shooutout losses.

In October, Boston jumped out to a quick start with a 6-2 mark and three shutout victories.

So far for the month of December, the B's are 5-3-2 with an overtime and shootout loss.

Boston will be without forward Brad Marchand with an undisclosed injury. He said the initial injury took place when he was drilled by Montreal's P.K. Subban back on Dec. 16.

Thrashers notes: Atlanta enters with picking up at least one point in 14 of its last 16 games prior to Tuesday night's loss to the St. Louis Blues. The Thrashers have picked up four wins in their last five road games.

Captain Andrew Ladd leads all forwards with 31 points. Byfuglien has two goals and six points overall in his last six games and Pavelec is second to Thomas in the league (1.70 goals against average, .948 save percentage) with a 1.82 GAA and .943 save%.

Other notes: Bruins fans can get their picture taken with legendary singer Rene Rancourt for a $10 donation. "Rene Village" will be set up in Loge 7 during the first and second periods...both teams play again on Dec. 30 and its final meeting isn't until April 2, 2011...The game will be televised on NESN. Check your local cable/satellite provider.